Recidivism Roundtable

The following statement is issued on behalf of all participants at today's Recidivism Roundtable. 

In an effort to reduce recidivism rates in the ACT, ACT Policing hosted a Recidivism Roundtable today (Tuesday, 20 June 2023).

Recidivism (individuals conducting criminal offences repeatedly even after engagement with the judicial system) is an ongoing issue in the ACT (and all other Australian jurisdictions). It remains a complex problem with no single solution. The ACT Government’s Reducing Recidivism Plan aims to reduce offenders returning to prison within two years of being released by 25% by 2025.   

Bringing together senior leaders of key stakeholders from across the criminal justice and community services sectors, participants represented multiple ACT Government Directorates, non-government organisations, judicial officers and academia. The forum was officially opened by the ACT Attorney General Shane Rattenbury MLA.  

Key topics discussed included the importance of diversionary programs, current gaps in addressing offender needs, information sharing arrangements, and opportunities for a more collaborative and multi-agency approach in support of high-risk recidivist offenders. The use of forensic psychology to underpin individual case management was also explored.  

An individual with lived experience of the criminal justice system and the Chief Magistrate provided their unique perspectives on this issue with thoughtful and engaging presentations.  

In connecting these agencies and key stakeholders, it is hoped that further benefits will occur in the medium to long term. The key takeaways from the day were that only with the combined efforts of all participants and a flexible approach to the issue will we see a reduction in recidivism in the ACT.